Young Songwriter Encourages People To “Just Do What They Can” for DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Jan. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- A young singer/songwriter from Kidderminster in the Midlands is doing his bit to help raise funds for the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal and has written a special song which he hopes will raise awareness of the plight of those left in Haiti and encourage people to just do what they can.

Chris Jones who is 14 regularly plays concerts and gigs around the local music circuit at various venues and was inspired to write the song by a chance conversation he overheard between two adults.

Chris said: “They were talking about the earthquake and what had happened, and one of them said “Isn’t it terrible about what has happened in Haiti”.  The other one said “yes it is terrible, but it doesn’t affect me and there is nothing I can do to help them”.  I wanted to say to them that actually they can help, even if they donated a bit of spare change out of their pockets or engaged in some community fund-raising, as every little bit helps towards raising funds for the appeal.  What happened in Haiti shocked me completely, it was like me going to school one day and then the school collapsing and I wouldn’t make it out, it is frightening to think what those who are left out there are going through and they need as much as help as they can towards getting medical supplies, food water and basic shelter”.

Chris wrote the song last Saturday afternoon and he has already started playing it live where he has received much support for the song and what he is doing.  He was interviewed on BBC Midlands Today and also on BBC Hereford and Worcester this week alone.  The song is being recorded and will be available to buy from next week; all proceeds will go to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

Chris is also taking part in a “Help for Haiti” tour arranged by Midlands based music promoters Wizard Promotions.  The tour will start off with a special fund-raising gig at the Marrs Bar in Worcester on Saturday 30th January 2010 and will go to other venues and areas of the Midlands during February.  Again, all funds raised on the tour will go to the appeal.

Lisa Ventura of Wizard Promotions said: “I’m delighted that Chris is taking part in the tour to help raise awareness of the campaign.  For his tender years he has an amazing affinity with what has happened in Haiti and is an inspiration to young people everywhere.  We hope it encourages others to come forward and in Chris’s own words, to just do what they can, no matter how small, towards the fund-raising efforts and appeal”.

“Just Do What You Can” is currently available as a clip on YouTube and can be viewed by visiting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51lkleRD0eA.  



Chris has also been featured on BBC Midlands Today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GERgLd

People can also make donations by visiting www.justgiving.com/justdowhatyoucan.

For more information about Chris Jones please visit www.myspace.com/chrisjonesacoustic and for more information about the Hope for Haiti tour and about the launch event that will be taking place at the Marrs Bar in Worcester on Saturday 30th January 2010, please visit www.wizard-promotions.co.uk.

Notes to Editors:

1.   Photographs are available of Chris Jones that are ready for printing.  Please contact enquiries@wizard-promotions.co.uk or call 0845 652 0621 to receive these.  Further information can be obtained from Lisa Ventura at Wizard Promotions on 0845 652 0621 or enquiries@wizard-promotions.co.uk.

2.   Wizard Promotions is a new promoter of gigs and live events in Worcestershire and the Midlands. Their ethos is to organise quality and entertaining live music events and gigs to showcase the very best live music that the Midlands has to offer and to raise funds for the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal.   They have worked with many bands and musicians over the years and have experience of promoting live events through their many channels.

3.   Titania PR is a Midlands based agency that specialises in PR and Marketing for the music industry and for bands, musicians and soloists – more information can be found on www.titaniapr.co.uk.   All press enquiries should be directed to press@titaniapr.co.uk.

4.   The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) was formed in 1963. They are an umbrella organisation for 13 humanitarian aid agencies.  At times of overseas emergency, the DEC brings together a unique alliance of the UK's aid, corporate, public and broadcasting sectors to rally the nation's compassion, and ensure that funds raised go to DEC agencies best placed to deliver effective and timely relief to people most in need. Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is a Registered Charity No: 1062638.